Excessively and often intolerantly enthusiastic about an idea, a religion, or a cause. It describes an extreme, uncritical devotion that does not allow for other opinions.
example
Er ist ein fanatischer Anhänger seines Fußballvereins und reagiert aggressiv auf Kritik.
He is a fanatical supporter of his football club and reacts aggressively to criticism.
Usage tips
Strong negative meaning
Careful: 'fanatisch' (fanatical) is a very strong word and usually has a negative meaning of extremist, intolerant, and obsessed. It is much stronger than 'begeistert' (enthusiastic) or 'leidenschaftlich' (passionate).
EXAMPLE
Seine fanatischen politischen Ansichten machen eine Diskussion unmöglich.
His fanatical political views make discussion impossible.
Context clue
The meaning depends strongly on the context. In connection with ideologies, religion, or politics, 'fanatisch' (fanatical) is almost always negative. If it describes a personal trait or activity, however (e.g., cleanliness, collecting), it can also be meant neutrally in the sense of 'extremely committed' or 'excessively precise.'
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein fanatischer Gegner jeder Art von Umweltverschmutzung.
He is a fanatical opponent of every kind of environmental pollution.
Typical collocations (negative)
In its negative meaning, 'fanatisch' (fanatical) is often combined with nouns such as 'Anhänger' (supporter), 'Kämpfer' (fighter), 'Glaube' (belief/faith), or 'Hass' (hatred) to describe an extreme and intolerant attitude.
EXAMPLE
Die Gruppe besteht aus fanatischen Anhängern ihres Anführers.
The group consists of fanatical supporters of their leader.
Typical collocations (neutral)
In the more neutral, often exaggerated meaning, 'fanatisch' (fanatical) describes extreme devotion to an activity. Typical combinations are 'fanatische Genauigkeit' (fanatical precision), 'fanatische Sauberkeit' (fanatical cleanliness), or 'ein fanatischer Sammler' (a fanatical collector).
EXAMPLE
Als fanatischer Radfahrer ist er bei jedem Wetter draußen unterwegs.
As a fanatical cyclist, he is out riding in all kinds of weather.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
fanatisch vs hardcore
hardcore
'hardcore' and 'fanatisch' can both describe that someone does something very intensely or believes in something very strongly. 'hardcore' often sounds more casual and colloquial, for example with a hobby, a sport, or a scene. 'fanatisch' is stronger and often more negative: it can mean that someone does not accept other opinions or is almost obsessed with something. The words can be confused because both express extremes. As a simple guide: 'hardcore' fits better for intense enthusiasm or consistent behavior, while 'fanatisch' fits better for exaggerated, uncritical devotion.
fanatisch
Sie verteidigt ihre Meinung so fanatisch, dass niemand mehr mit ihr diskutieren will.
She defends her opinion so fanatically that no one wants to discuss it with her anymore.
hardcore
Er trainiert jeden Morgen um fünf und ist wirklich hardcore.
He trains every morning at five and is really hardcore.